Current Exhibitions

June 17-September 10, 2017

Asian and Western collectors have been fascinated with snuff bottles since they were first produced in China in the early 18th century. Deemed as precious containers for ground tobacco imported to China, snuff bottles were initially made for the emperor and the court. They were eventually produced in greater quantities for the public, who enjoyed the functionality of the bottles as well as their display as symbols of status. These striking miniatures not only illustrate the technical artistry of Qing dynasty craftsmen, but also provide a window on life and culture in late imperial China. Organized by Robin Dunn, curatorial department intern, the exhibition features approximately 35 bottles.

Con-Text: The Word Based Images of Tyrus Clutter

June 10-September 10, 2017

Marked by exuberant color combinations and embossed textural variations, the images of College of Central Florida Associate Professor Tyrus Clutter have relied increasingly on text over the past few years. These recent printmaking ventures explore the
ways humans interpret both words and images—how both can be “read” and reexamined when paired within the same space. Some images are literally drawn with words. All the works explore interactivity, leading viewers to personally complete them by
engaging the juxtapositions of texts and imagery.

Click here to watch a short video on the artist's color viscosity etching process.

Art for the Afterlife: Chinese Funerary Objects

ongoing

Historically, elite individuals in Chinese society were buried with all of the everyday items that they might need in the next realm. Objects such as clay servants and musicians, as well as a finely glazed Tang Dynasty ceramic horse and stunning tomb guardian figurines, make up this display from the Appleton’s permanent collection.

Art of the Ancient World

ongoing

The Appleton presents a selection from our permanent collection of antiquities. Encompassing themes such as dining, warfare and daily life, this display invites viewers to experience the art of the ancient world through the eyes of those who lived it.

The antiquities collection includes more than 900 pieces, collected by Arthur Appleton and gifted by several other generous donors. Art of the Ancient World includes fine examples of Egyptian, Greek and Roman works along with others from neighboring ancient civilizations.